Frequently Asked Questions
The term "biodegradable" implies that a product will naturally decompose into elements found in nature over time. However, the biodegradation process and its duration depend on various environmental conditions, such as location and temperature. Currently, there is no regulated standard to define the specific timeframe within which biodegradable materials must break down, which has led to increased scrutiny from the FTC Green Guides due to potential greenwashing. Alternatively "compostable" refers to products that decompose into usable soil within a specific timeframe in a commercial composting facility. This decomposition process is regulated and can be certified through standardized third-party testing (BPI, TUV), distinguishing it from biodegradable products. It's important to note that not all biodegradable plastics are compostable, and not all plant-based plastics are biodegradable. The terminology in this area can be confusing and is often used interchangeably, though it shouldn’t be. Our aim is to clarify these concepts as much as possible, helping you make well-informed choices about the products you use.
ThinkEco Compostable Bags offer a wide range of products from shopping bags, bin liners, produce bags, pet waste bags, garments bags and even e-commerce bags that are made from PLA (Polylactic Acid) and PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate).
The terms Biomaterials and Bioplastics refer to materials like PLA and PBAT which are both biodegradable and when buried in soil will break down completely leaving no toxic residue or microplastics. Our products contain zero plastics, they are non-toxic, compostable, made from renewable resources like corn, they reduce greenhouse emissions and are good for the soil.
When a product is labeled as "certified compostable," it indicates that the product will biodegrade over time, whether in a landfill or the natural environment. However, unlike compostability, there are no specific guidelines to determine the duration of the biodegradation process. It is crucial to understand that all materials will naturally degrade to some extent when exposed to environmental elements. This reality underscores our commitment which ensures that as our plastics degrade, they do not release any hazardous chemicals into the surrounding land and water. We remain dedicated to producing products and packaging free of harmful substances that could leach into the environment.
Preventing foreign materials, especially plastics, from entering our oceans is increasingly critical. Our goal is to contribute to a renewable, closed-loop economy by ensuring that our materials end up in appropriate facilities where they can be composted. While our products and packaging haven't been specifically tested for this particular end-of-life scenario, we will not claim that they are.
Our compostable products are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) which conduct controlled laboratory testing to determine if an item meets the ASTM D6400 compostability standards, which is a baseline metric required by every state in the US that has regulatory language about “Industrial Compostability”. Our products can also be certified under TUV Austria OK Home and Industrial Compost (EN 13432 standard). For more information on the third party certification bodies see FAQ “What does each certification mean?”
While all products certified as compostable are also biodegradable, not all biodegradable products are certified compostable. The term "biodegradable" simply means that a product will eventually break down into smaller parts with the aid of microorganisms, but this process could take anywhere from 500 to 1000 years and may result in microplastics. In contrast, for a product to be certified compostable, it must undergo rigorous third-party testing by an accredited laboratory to prove it will decompose into non-toxic byproducts within a specified timeframe. For instance, the ASTM-D6400 certification requires that a product break down into valuable soil nutrients within 84 days or less at a composting facility, often verified by organizations like the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI).
If your town’s composting facility accepts certified compostable garbage bags, then it can also handle all of our products. We recommend checking your local regulations to ensure compliance as different municipalities have specific rules regarding acceptable items in their composting programs. ThinkEco Solutions cannot be held liable for any municipal violations.
While our compostable bags are designed to be very strong, they are not intended to last indefinitely. This is a key difference between our products and traditional plastic bags, and likely a reason you are considering a switch. Due to the fact they break down over time, if you store the bags for an extended period, they may start to degrade. Our compostable bags have a lifespan of about 1-2 years from the date of production under ideal storage conditions before they begin to degrade. We recommend maintaining records of production dates printed on the boxes to ensure you use your bags within this timeframe as well as store in a climate controlled environment.
All products and their packaging have a shelf life. This is especially true with biodegradable materials. To ensure maximum longevity, ThinkEco Compostable Bags should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. When stored properly, our bags maintain their strength for at least 12 months; otherwise, their durability may be compromised. For this reason, we recommend placing orders in 6-month intervals to ensure you receive the best quality and performance from our products.
When it comes to materials like PLA compared to #1 PET, there are some differences, much like the difference between "gluten-free" and "regular" products. The key is to consider your product's packaging, storage, and transportation needs, as well as the best end-of-life options for you and your customers. Depending on the above factors you may not notice a significant difference between PET and PLA in your specific use case but we are here to answer your specific questions and provide guidance as to which product is right for you and your company.
The entire premise behind ThinkEco Compostable Bags is that they are compostable and will breakdown so try not to put any plastics, metals, or hazardous materials of any kind inside as they will not decompose like the bags will in either an industrial or home composting environment.
We’re glad you asked. We asked ourselves when starting ThinkEco Solutions, who will benefit from reducing and eliminating plastics from landfills, who are we thinking about when we say our products can change the world one bag at a time. Ultimately it is future generations, our children and your children and their children. So we asked them ,what animal would you like to see in the logo. And our logo was created from there.